Valerie Harper Denies Reports That She’s Cancer-Free

After a story inCloser Weeklystated thatValerie Harperis "absolutely cancer-free," the actress released a statement via the Hallmark Channel to set the record straight."In response to a recent erroneous quote concerning my health, I am not 'absolutely cancer-free,'" said the actress. ...

After a story in Closer Weekly stated that Valerie Harper is "absolutely cancer-free," the actress released a statement via the Hallmark Channel to set the record straight.

"In response to a recent erroneous quote concerning my health, I am not 'absolutely cancer-free,'" said the actress. "I wish I were. Right now what I am is cautiously optimistic about my present condition and I have hope for the future."

Harper, 74, rose to fame in the 1970s for her role as Rhoda on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, eventually earning her own spin-off, Rhoda. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009, and announced in March of 2013 that she'd been given only three months to live after a brain cancer diagnosis two months prior. After those three months came and went, Harper competed on Dancing With the Stars last fall, but was eliminated after four dances.

The actress is currently promoting her two-episode arc on Hallmark Channel's new series Signed, Sealed, Delivered, which premieresSunday, April 20 at 8/7c.